Doomsday | A SIXTEEN

Will looked surprised to see me at the Coeus clubhouse. He perked from his slouched posture against the doors to Michael's boarding quarters. "Stevie, how come you're not in chemistry?"

I ignored the inquiry, eyes on the furnished wood behind him. "Is he still in there?"

"Michael? Yeah, why?"

"I want to speak to him before that selfish headmaster and love of your life throw him out." I aimed to make a grab for the doorknob but Will sidestepped to block it.

"Stevie, I didn't know this was what Garren was planning. I swear. I didn't know anything until I got to school and Garren rang me up. I'm just as upset as you are. I get that the article is disregarding all the genuine good things Michael's done and I wonder why the hell he did what he did but, I do still think highly of him. You're not alone there."

I held his earnest gaze with an exasperated patience. "Can you let me through now?"

He was unresponsive for several seconds before shifting to give me way. I turned the knob and let myself in. Frightened eyes met mine and I couldn't stop myself from being a little stumped. I didn't know what I expected to see when entering, but certainly not the great, zealous captain of Coeus curled up in a ball in the corner of the room.

I swallowed, eyes instinctively hooked on the pair of legs I'd grown used to seeing supported by foot plates, properly balanced and bending on their own like any other boy.

"Oh, Stevie." A bit of tension left his shoulders. His voice was unnaturally stiff though. "What are you doing here? Is there a problem? Please don't tell me they're not holding classes anymore because of me."

"No." I shook my head. "Headmaster Shepherd is having all the copies of the paper gathered but she knows it'll still get out so she's doing her best to prepare for when the board and the media come at her. She..." I cleared my throat from the lump. "Doesn't seem to care if you're here or gone already."

"... Oh. That's a relief." Michael attempted to keep a nonchalant expression but the pain in his eyes betrayed him.

I stood gutted at how he's doing his best to be composed like a captain is meant to for the sake of leading his subordinates through any trial. Even though it would perfectly be fine to freak out. To show that he was petrified everything he'd worked for was gone in one moment and he was being discarded like rubbish.

I noticed a copy of the article by his bedside. What a way to have your day start out.

"Why did you do it?" I finally grasped the courage to utter. "You might not have come from a super rich family but your parents are way better off than mine. Your first self-help book became a best seller in the country before anyone knew your face and background- you didn't need a 'handicap act' to go places. So why?"

Michael was painfully quiet, eyes casted to the floor. I knelt down beside him. "If you doubted yourself, then I can understand," I assured him. "I didn't have any confidence in my abilities and wouldn't be here if it wasn't for my parents. I still didn't think I was good enough for this school until recently. People are cruel, things were unfair and nothing was how it's meant to be but, St. Sinclair has taught me something invaluable."

Michael was all ears for me to continue.

"I learnt to appreciate having to work to get here instead of others who got in without lifting a finger. Because for them, it's all too easy to become a victim of greed and ignorance when you can get everything you want. Rather than grooming elites, this academy ends up grooming monsters."

Being so clueless at first, I had been in awe of the Ace title and maybe, it hadn't all faded when Garren offered it. A world of exclusiveness and illusions of control- an ideal fairytale I'd held. Though, people couldn't stay glued in their own fantasies for convenience. Because that was living at the expense of someone else's. And I didn't set out to make something of myself by trampling over others. I took a deep breath. "Michael, the truth is, I- "

"It was when I was thirteen." His hoarse voice came out all at once and I immediately clammed up, ready to mutely listen. He steadied his jaded eyes on me. "I was on a skii trip with some friends when an avalanche happened. Search and rescue got my friends out in good time but it took many hours to find me because I'd fallen so far off the slopes. I was comatose for three months and woke up with no feeling in my legs. The doctors promised me it was temporal, the wheelchair would be temporal and psychotherapy would fix it. Then after a year, they suddenly say there was damage to my spinal cord and..." He shut his eyes, running his hands through his hair. "Back then, it was all real. I was trapped in the reality of never walking again."

"But on the websites, they said you were born with paralysis from a deficiency in- "

"All lies," he confessed. "My publicist's idea. Who by the way, was my mum. She got greedier for money after the divorce."

"Divorce?"

"She remarried. My surname used to be Winchester, I'm pretty sure almost all of that existence has been erased from the internet. I always liked it better than Howard. Howard sounds like an old fashioned postman." He frowned.

"Wow this is..." I didn't know the word to describe having a sanction in your brain shredded to pieces then remolded. It was overwhelming to say the least. "So, what happened if it was real before?"

"My friend, one from the skiing incident reached out to me two years ago. She'd suffered a spinal injury too but she recently found this surgeon in Germany who healed her from it. She said that he could take a look at mine since this opened her eyes to see modern medicine was on a different league in other countries. Told her she was losing it." Michael chuckled. "But long story short..." He patted his very mobile kneecaps.

"He healed you," I summarised.

"I was crying when I managed to walk up on a step. Like, actual steps. And feel sand between my toes. It was incredible." He enthused and I felt like tearing up myself. "But when I was planning to fly back home, all these doubts came in. I don't know when my mum's ideals on my success rubbed off on me but I was scared that without it... without the handicap, I couldn't go anywhere. I wouldn't be anything special.

I mean, so many foundations and sponsors thought of me as this role model for those who were paraplegic and their family members and were discouraged all their life. They gave me their support and respect. I felt like I was letting them down. Like what I'd done was showing I didn't want to be labelled with them, like I betrayed them- god, I'm not making any sense am I?"

"No, no you're making perfect sense," I quickly replied, wrapping my arms around him. "You were just scared. People get scared, Michael. It happens."

I could feel how fast his shaken heart beat was as it pounded frantically, proving my words right. Even an icon wasn't immune to human weaknesses like fear. When I withdrew, there were glimmers of unshed tears he'd been furiously fighting back.

"But this is good," I declared. "The article is wrong. You weren't faking all along. You need to tell Ms. Shepherd and once she knows the truth- "

"No, Stevie. I'm not gonna tell her."

"Why the hell not? The news has it all wrong! They're making you sound like it was all for attention and a scam to exploit the system! They're missing the real picture."

"Actually, they're right on the mark," disagreed Michael, confusing me further. "People don't really care about the truth, Stevie. They want a scoop, hot gossip. The rest is irrelevant."

"B-But, but... You're letting them win!" You're letting Garren win, I silently added.

"Win? I was never competing," Michael retorted.

"It's still not right to just let them silence you. Not even trying to be heard is like you're laying down to get shot!"

Michael shrugged. "Beats struggling against the inevitable. Besides, our newspaper club will probably sky rocket in ratings and the journalist or whoever figured it out has my highest acknowledgement. I mean, they even got the name of the surgeon and everything. I'm a little intimidated but glad to know St. Sinclair isn't losing its touch in ingenuity. One way or another, it could be a good boost for the school's image if they peddle it right."

"Screw the school's image."

"Stevie."

"They're throwing you out like garbage! They deserve to be ripped apart by the press, not for you to be praising them."

"Maybe but I know you love this place too."

I said nothing back, but it certainly wasn't out of love. Despite the disgusting social injustice I was witnessing, I wasn't willing to part from St. Sinclair. Not after everything I put my family through.

"Thank you, Stevie. I really appreciate you coming down here and making me get all that off my chest. It feels good to say it at least once." He breathed. "I'm glad I got to know you before this happened. I was only your captain for a short time but, it's been a privilege." He graced me with a warm smile as big as he could muster.

That was the trigger to unravel something inside me and the words uncontrollably tumbled out from my quivering lips. "I'm sorry." I blubbered. "I'm so sorry."

I'd done this. I'd let my guard down to the wrong person and got angry to cover up how much I hated myself for being so careless.

The next thing I knew, gentle arms were wrapping around me. "It's okay," Michael told me softly. "It's not your fault."

Except it was but I was too prioritised on not choking on my sobs to let the words surface. When I drew back, I could see Michael's shirt dampened by my tears and I flushed in embarrassment. Not only for tousling his shirt but for having him console me.

"Just promise me, you'll do great and be great for who ever replaces me in Coeus," he said. "They'd definitely appreciate having someone as kind as you there for them, Stevie. In this world, it's hard to trust people. Even when so-called friends you have to look over your shoulder at- it can get exhausting. I'd like it if less people had to live like that. So, can you promise to help me with that? As my final request as captain."

Too jittery to form words, I nodded.

For the rest of my classes, I was spacing out constantly and dodging the Aces. The campaign was delegated to a beautiful senior by the name of Rosie Hendricks and the day ended like any other.

**

As the headmaster proclaimed, the news reached the outside and everyone in the district or had access to the news heard. I'd called in sick and missed class for the first time in my life. I did however, tune into the press conference that uncle Louie informed me was on air so I directed the station on my hotel flat screen.

Ms. Shepherd was poise and pristine but was cautious not to appear too perfect as she had to play a distressed administrator who was shaken up by the quote, "heartbreaking truth". She fed the public some reasons only to clarify the school had not been involved in the scam or conspiring to take advantage of organisations for profit. Or how she couldn't disclose the motive behind Michael's criminal actions as he'd stayed recluse and simply requested to transfer. She was an astonishingly good actress, I'd give her that.

I'd lost all restraint not to scowl when none other than Garren Adler took the stage, being introduced as one of Michael's close friends. He was an even better actor than his nan. I wanted to be sick. Yet, I couldn't bring myself to change the channel. Instead I sat in my pajamas having custard and watching the hideousness of it all.

At one point, Garren announced a third party was the 'brave soul' who uncovered the truth and had reached out to him to get the truth out. He went on to praise the alleged whistleblower with things like calling them 'selfless' and 'a good natured person who only wished for the staff and students of St. Sinclair to get past the hard time in peace'.

I knew it was only a speech to win the public's empathy and slyly indicate the academy had no participation. I knew that it wasn't anything sincere, but it irked me how he said it with an unshifting gaze, looking straight ahead. As if he knew I'd be watching.

At there, I switched off the tv and desperately tried to rid my mind of it.

The weekend came by but I didn't budge from my room. Ashton and Liam called to check in a few times, I wasn't in the mood to talk so I kept my replies short. When they offered to come over, I declined saying I didn't want them catching what I was coming down with. Whether they bought it or not, they didn't press further on it.

Shaun sent me two messages, I ignored them.

Once Monday morning arrived, I urged myself to get dressed. Moping around all day wouldn't change anything, this was a reality I had to face. Not to mention, the more classes I skipped was tuition going down the toilet.

I made my way through the lobby where I found a Benz parked right up front. I was off to continue my journey until a familiar face emerged from the vehicle.

Will spotted me instantly so there was no place to hide. Begrudgingly, I stood as he approached me.

"Hey," He started.

"What are you doing here?" I asked.

"To see you. I came by last week and your uncle told me you weren't feeling well."

"Yeah, fever," I lied. "Wait, were you the one who sent that fruit basket?"

Will nodded. "A-And the sex toys and erotic novels...?"

He rolled his eyes. "No, that was Ben. He thinks everybody has the same thing on their mind as him when they're home alone."

"Right." Well, that did make sense. Uncle Louie assumed it was some mix up in deliveries but I had no plans to tell him it wasn't. The postal lost & found were welcomed to keep it.

"Garren told me you said you were done." The sullenness in Will's voice unmistakable.

I averted my gaze, knowing he'd resort to those doe eyes I was weak to. "Because I am."

"This is to do with Michael?"

"Yes, so?"

"Stevie I know what's happened to him is pretty bad-"

"Pretty bad?" I echoed. "They flipped the whole story upside down and are making him out to be this huge villainous mastermind that took advantage of the school. It's fucking messed up is what it is."

"And I get that but Garren doesn't. You see how his nan operates, she's one of the influences. I've told you, he grew up with warped morals. A thing like that isn't fixed overnight."

"I know that."

"Then why are you giving up so soon?"

I let out a sigh. "You know Will, you're honestly amazing. Garren's probably done tons of awful things to people much worse for way less than this and you still like him."

"He's misguided, Stevie. We all can be so I won't give up on him. I can't."

I wore a tight lipped smile. "Well, I don't think I'm cut out to stand next to that big of a monster so sorry, you're on your own. He's lucky to have you as it is."

"Stevie..."

"See you in chemistry." I resumed to walk through the glass spinning doors.

**

I was greeted with warm hugs from Ashton and Liam. They weren't even mad at me for giving them the cold shoulder all weekend and I was deeply grateful for having such good friends. Liam filled me in on what I'd missed; apparently, the academy entrance was swarmed with dozens of TV network vans, solicitors and the likes but I couldn't verify if it was truly that big or he was exaggerating.

Ashton detailed that Liam got a mic shoved in his face and was interviewed by a reporter I'd vaguely catch on BBC but the boy was so flustered, he choked, even forgetting his own name. He prayed the taping was deleted.

Although, I could see no vans or folks holding banners calling the academy frauds or conspirators so it appeared the situation had died down. Admittedly, I was impressed by how swiftly the batty headmaster sterilized the situation.

I thought of seeking out Shaun to apologise for being cold but I had a prior club matter to attend to. All Coeus members were instructed to head to the clubhouse after first period to settle who would be replacing Michael.

I'd read in the club handbook, in occurrences of new captains being assigned, they were elected by votes amongst members. Traditionally, a senior was always elected which in this case had me debating choosing either Philip Sullivan or Fraiser Abdul.

I wasn't fond of Philip, he was a bit of a hothead and would probably be severely strict or overbearing if put in charge. Then although Fraiser was more reserved, he felt like too much of a people pleaser. If members differed on a matter and an argument arose, I couldn't see him coping too well.

Ewen was also applicable but I couldn't picture him being chosen. Yes, he was highly respected but having a leader who said less than twenty words a day and once didn't show for a meeting because well... he didn't really answer, just shrugged. It sounded poorly. Not to mention, Ewen would probably let a certain spoilt brat do whatever he wanted and that would be the end of the world.

Basically everyone was done writing down their choice on their voting cards when the three remaining members finally stepped in. I focused my eyes down to my paper to avoid accidentally locking eyes with any of them.

"Finally," huffed Philip. "Where on earth have you lot been? This meeting was called twenty minutes ago-"

"Shut up, Philip," said Garren. "Just because Michael isn't here to emasculate you for never managing to get a girl compared to a fake cripple like him, doesn't mean you get to exercise authority that's not even yours."

A few stifled snickers with hands over their mouths or coughs, Philip's cheeks were tinged red and nostrils flared. "I'd be wise to watch that mouth of yours from now on. Who's put in charge isn't gonna let you and your boys off so easily anymore."

I could tell that even though they tried to mask it, the majority were looking forward to that. I'd never seen a smile so big on Andrew's face without any food in his hands.

"Garren, Will, Ben quickly take a voting card and sit down," said Ewen.

Instead of hearing shuffling of paper and chairs being pulled back, I heard footsteps walking in my direction. I could tell it was him and with each step he grew closer, I was battling off every urge to lift my head. My voting card was swiped from my front and I broke my own vows, pivoting my eyes to Garren reading the card that was still blank.

He met my gaze with a somehow satisfied seeming smirk.

"Oi, you can't look at her vote," said Ian. "It's meant to be private."

"Garren sit your ass down right now." growled Philip.

"I would..." He tossed my card back to the table. "If this election wasn't void."

Puzzled visages filled the conference room. "Void? What are you talking about?" questioned Fraiser.

"Ben," Garren turned to him. "You connected now?"

I glanced to see that Ben was holding a large tablet in his hands. He was focused on browsing something on the screen before nodding. "Yeah, all set." Ben angled the device on the table with the screen projecting an old suited man sat in a tall chair. He seemed vaguely familiar but it was hard to concentrate with the picture upside down.

I heard a sigh from Garren before Will assisted to turn the tablet the right-way round, shooting a pointed look at the other clumsy boy.

"Can everybody see and hear me?" asked the suited man on screen.

"U-Uh yes, sir," replied Philip who all of a sudden looked very nervous. As did Fraiser and a few others.

"What's with the geezer?" asked Tate.

Amina elbowed him in his side. "That's the director of the school, Mr. Ludwig you knob." she hissed.

Tate's jaw dropped at that and he, along with several clueless others straightened up, fully attentive now. "I-I'm sorry sir," the boy apologised. "I had no idea, I..."

"It's quite alright, son," Mr. Ludwig assured him with his monotonous voice. "My plane doesn't land for another six more, so you'll have to excuse me for not being able to discuss this in person."

"That's fine, sir. Um, discuss what though?" asked Philip.

"To discuss Coeus being requested to undergo closure."

Murmurs and gasps of disbelief were uttered at that.

"C-Closure?" stuttered Amina. "Why?"

"By the uproar caused on the scandal concerning your former captain, I'm sure you're all aware of it."

"But, I thought the matter was already dealt with." frowned Fraiser. "Michael's been booted out of the academy or whatever and they know the school wasn't keeping his secret-"

"And you think that solves everything? Fraudulence, particularly the damage that's been done at this scale wouldn't be fixed by mere apologies. Two large sponsors that fund many projects in Coeus and other clubs were threatening to pull out thanks to this and several of the board can't trust that no one in the academy had the slightest idea of Mr. Howard's scam. They're rather skeptical at how a club supposedly made of high level intellects missed that."

I heard a few members curse under their breath. Even if objectively, it was just a club, I knew I wasn't the only one who saw it as more than that. Not to mention, Ms. Shepherd's calling Coeus the academy's glory. It was a getaway to acceptances into any university in the nation. If it was gone, St. Sinclair would plummet drastically in status that it might as well shut down.

"Not to worry, students. I won't be letting Coeus disband," said Mr. Ludwig and maybe if his expression wasn't kept so steel, some of us could've found comfort or reassurance. "I've picked a fine replacement that will convince the opposing board members no trace of deceit is transpiring in Coeus. We already have fully verified data on this individual's background due to his parents being consistent generous donators to the academy. Not to mention, he's received high esteem in the eyes of the media on the scandal. Though, I apologise that this is going against your rules of a traditional election. I promise I do this with no means of it being personal."

"No problem, sir," said Fraiser.

"We're fine with it as long as the board knows we had no involvement in Michael's scams," responded Philip.

Everybody else seated nodded in concurrence.

"Glad to hear it." Mr. Ludwig entwined his calloused fingers. "Then it's settled. Your new captain from here on out... will be mister Garren Adler."